WAUSAU, WI – On Saturday, November 1, ten women from across central Wisconsin will compete for the title of Miss Wausau Area 2026 and Miss Wausau Area’s Teen 2026. Directed by Jenny Stanke, the mother of Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke, the competition is an official local preliminary to the Miss Wisconsin and Miss Wisconsin’s Teen Competitions to be held in June 2026 in New Berlin.

“In our third annual competition, we cannot wait to continue to uplift women from the central Wisconsin community and award over $6,000 in scholarships,” said Executive Director Jenny Stanke. “I look forward to spotlighting the women, and working with our two new titleholders to represent the Wausau Area.”

Contestants will be judged in private interview, on-stage conversation, health and fitness, talent, and evening gown. Finishing out their years as Miss Wausau Area 2025, Avery Manthe, and Miss Wausau Area’s Teen 2025, Anna Jacobson will crown the two new titleholders. Winners will receive cash scholarships to the school of their choice, the opportunity to represent their community for the next year, and the chance to compete for Miss Wisconsin, and potentially Miss America. The Teen winner will go on to compete for Miss Wisconsin’s Teen, and potentially Miss America’s Teen.

The competition will be held at the UW Center for Civic Engagement (625 Stewart Ave, Wausau, WI 54401) on Saturday, November 1 at 4:00 PM CST. Tickets are $15 cash and will be sold at the door.

Note: Photos visible on this page were added after press release was sent out.